VENUE UPDATE: Freda’s set to return to Chippendale
Wednesday 22 January 2025
Family-owned hospitality operator Solotel is pleased to announce Sydney’s much-loved Cafe Freda’s, will live on as Bar Freda’s, with the group partnering with Freda’s owners Dave Abram and Carla Uriarte to transform the Lil Sis space at The Abercrombie in Chippendale.
The Lil Sis space will reopen as Bar Freda’s in April, bringing back the signature energy and creativity that made the original Freda’s a beloved institution. Paying homage to its roots, Bar Freda’s will return to the Chippendale neighbourhood, just a few blocks from where the original Freda’s first captured Sydney’s heart.
The menu for Bar Freda’s is still being worked on, with more to be announced shortly, however it will be an amalgamation of what Dave and Carla have taken from both past and present venues, promising a considered line up of crafted cocktails, wines from small producers and a music focus that will include regular DJs.
Extending their influence beyond the bar, Dave and Carla will also take the creative lead in programming for the Abercrombie’s night club which will include regular Club Freda’s nights. With 15 years' experience in running late night venues in Sydney, and now with a 24hr license with world-class club space available to them, the duo has a platform to build something truly special for Sydneysiders.
Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel Group, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Dave and Carla to bring Freda’s back to its roots in Chippendale after its immensely successful run in Darlinghurst.
“Freda’s has always been synonymous with community and great energy, and this collaboration is an exciting opportunity for us to continue that legacy in a new way. We know Dave and Carla will put their unique stamp on The Abercrombie and make it something really special, and we look forward to working with them and seeing what they do”.
Commenting on the partnership with Solotel, Dave said, “We knew this was the perfect collaboration at the right time for us. We had been thinking about how to bring together elements from the two different venues we’ve operated in the past, and when we first discussed the Lil Sis site and programming the club space in The Abercrombie with Elliot, it felt like serendipity - it was exactly what we had hoped to do for our next project.
“The drinks at Bar Freda’s will continue our tradition of offering fantastic wines from small producers, but we’ll also put a greater focus on cocktails, using quality ingredients but keeping things fun and approachable. We want it to be a space that’s accessible, welcoming, and community minded.
Talking about finding a new home at The Abercrombie, Dave said, “It’s remarkable that we’re coming back just a few hundred meters from where the original Freda’s was. That venue had a big impact on the nightlife scene at the time, and with Club Freda’s nights in the works, I’m beyond excited to be back in a position to provide opportunities for young DJs, promoters and creatives in Sydney and help give them a platform to perform and express themselves. At the heart of it, that's what Freda’s has always been about”.
Bar and Club Freda’s are set to launch in April. More announcements to follow.